Which type of cartilage contains elastic fibers in its matrix?

Which type of cartilage contains elastic fibers in its matrix?

• A. Elastic Cartilage
• B. Hyaline Cartilage
• C. Fibrocartilage
• D. Bone

Answer: (A)

Elastic cartilage stands out because its matrix contains elastic fibers in addition to the usual cartilage components. Those elastin fibers give the tissue extra flexibility and resilience, allowing it to bend and snap back without damage. That’s why you find it in places that need both support and stretch, like the external ear and the epiglottis. Hyaline cartilage has a smooth, glassy matrix rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans but lacks elastic fibers, so it’s strong yet less flexible. Fibrocartilage is filled with thick collagen fibers, providing great tensile strength for shock absorption, not elasticity from elastin. Bone is mineralized and rigid, not a cartilage type at all.

Elastic cartilage stands out because its matrix contains elastic fibers in addition to the usual cartilage components. Those elastin fibers give the tissue extra flexibility and resilience, allowing it to bend and snap back without damage. That’s why you find it in places that need both support and stretch, like the external ear and the epiglottis. Hyaline cartilage has a smooth, glassy matrix rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans but lacks elastic fibers, so it’s strong yet less flexible. Fibrocartilage is filled with thick collagen fibers, providing great tensile strength for shock absorption, not elasticity from elastin. Bone is mineralized and rigid, not a cartilage type at all.